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Optional Retirement Program (ORP) UPDATE

Section 60 of the Pension Reform Act of 2011 (Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2011) allows certain* ORP participants a one-time opportunity to change their retirement coverage to the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System (MSERS).

Visit the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s (DHE) Section 60 Pension Reform web page for the most recent news about this issue and about guidance regarding eligibility, enrollment requirements, and implementation timelines.

*Individual eligibility will be confirmed when the participant receives the official packet at their home address.

What is the MSERS?

The State Retirement Board administers the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System (“MSERS”) for state employees and employees of certain other public entities. The MSERS is a contributory defined benefit retirement plan governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 32. The system provides retirement, disability, survivor, and death benefits to members and their beneficiaries.

Benefit Guide for the MSERSThis guide is intended to provide you with a general outline of retirement benefits offered by the MSERS, including general eligibility, service, and contribution requirements.

The MSERS Online Pension CalculatorThis pension calculator will give members of the MSERS in Groups 1, 2 or 4 an approximation of their potential retirement benefits. Most employees eligible for the ORP one-time transfer to the MSERS are Group 1.

These estimates are for those who became and have remained members of the MSERS before April 2, 2012. Final benefit determinations would be made by the State Retirement Board at the time of retirement.

PLEASE NOTE: Employees of the Massachusetts State Retirement Board cannot, and are not authorized to, advise you in any manner as to which plan is better suited for you. Please carefully review all materials that were mailed to you by the DHE. Certain plan provisions under the MSERS may not be applicable to transferring ORP participants.